There is nothing quite like a perfectly roasted Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey with Orange and Champagne Broth Recipe to bring family and friends together around the table. This recipe, passed down through generations, infuses the turkey with bright citrus notes from fresh orange wedges and keeps every bite tender and succulent thanks to a sparkling champagne-infused broth. The aromatic herbs and slow roasting transform a simple bird into a centerpiece bursting with comforting flavors and festive charm — it’s truly a turkey you’ll want to make year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a whole raw turkey with white skin placed on a wooden board to the right. Below it, there is a clear glass bowl filled with orange juice. On the left side, there are three white plates: the top plate holds orange carrot slices, green celery pieces, and white onion wedges; the middle plate contains orange slices arranged neatly; and the bottom plate holds a mix of dried green herbs and spices. There are also two small wooden bowls filled with salt and mixed spices. A dark green glass bottle with a cork stopper lies near the plates. All items rest on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look straightforward, but each plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor and moisture that define this amazing dish. From the fragrant herbs to the bright orange wedges, everything combines to create a balance that’s both fresh and deeply savory.

Dried parsley: Adds a mild, grassy flavor that freshens the herb blend.
Dried rosemary: Brings a piney, woody aroma that pairs beautifully with poultry.
Rubbed dried sage: Offers earthy, slightly peppery notes traditional in Thanksgiving cooking.
Dried thyme leaves: Provides subtle floral and lemon undertones to the mix.
Lemon-pepper seasoning: Adds zesty brightness and a bit of heat.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps to season the meat evenly.
Whole turkey (15 pounds): The star of the show—fresh and ready for roasting.
Medium orange, cut into wedges: Offers citrus sweetness and moisture from inside the cavity.
Medium onion, chopped: Contributes a mild sweetness and depth to the broth.
Carrot slices: Adds subtle earthiness and color.
Celery slices: Imparts fresh, aromatic undertones to the broth.
Champagne (750 milliliters): The secret to keeping the turkey juicy with a delicate fruity sparkle.
Chicken broth (14.5 ounces): Builds a savory base that infuses moisture and flavor into the turkey.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey with Orange and Champagne Broth Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Herb Rub and Turkey

Begin by mixing together the dried parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt in a small bowl. This aromatic herb blend is the foundation of flavor that will perfume your turkey inside and out. Rub this mixture generously into the turkey cavity to infuse the meat with those classic holiday scents and tastes.

Step 2: Stuffing with Orange and Aromatics

Next, stuff the turkey cavity with the orange wedges, large onion pieces, carrot slices, and celery. These fresh ingredients create a fragrant steam inside the bird as it roasts, imparting moisture and subtle sweetness, while the orange wedges help brighten and lift the layers of savory flavor.

Step 3: Securing and Placing the Turkey

Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen string to keep its shape during roasting and tuck the wings neatly under the body. This step ensures even cooking and a polished final presentation. Place the turkey on a large sheet of aluminum foil in a roasting pan, ready to bath in the magic broth.

Step 4: Adding the Champagne Broth and Wrapping

Pour the bottle of champagne and the chicken broth over the turkey, making sure some makes its way inside the cavity for maximum infusion. Carefully bring the foil up and around the turkey, sealing it like a cozy packet but without letting the foil touch the skin. This traps steam and helps keep your turkey wonderfully juicy as it roasts.

Step 5: Roasting to Perfection

Place the roasting pan in your preheated 350°F oven and roast for about 2½ to 3 hours until the juices run clear, indicating the turkey is nearly cooked through. Then, remove the foil to let the skin develop that gorgeous golden brown color, roasting uncovered for an additional 30 to 60 minutes. Your turkey’s thigh should reach 180°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer for perfectly done meat.

Step 6: Resting Before Slicing

Once the turkey reaches that blissful temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it with two sheets of foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice you carve is as tender and juicy as possible.

How to Serve Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey with Orange and Champagne Broth Recipe

A whole roasted chicken with golden-brown, crispy skin rests on crinkled aluminum foil inside a white tray. The chicken is trussed with kitchen string and has two orange slices placed under the tied legs. A woman's hand wearing a striped gray oven mitt holds the tray on the left side, while another woman's hand uses a meat thermometer inserted into the thick thigh on the right side. The tray and chicken sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or thyme over your sliced turkey add a pop of green and a pleasant herbal note. Thin orange slices or zest can also enhance the citrus theme visually and aromatically.

Side Dishes

This vibrant turkey pairs beautifully with classic creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and roasted Brussels sprouts. For a twist, consider cranberry-orange relish to echo the recipe’s citrus notes while adding a sweet-tart dimension.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your sliced turkey around a festive platter lined with fresh orange wedges and sprigs of herbs. Drizzle some of the champagne broth pan juices over the top for glistening goodness. It makes an impressive and mouth-watering centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to use leftovers within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and safety.

Freezing

If you want to keep turkey for longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat turkey gently in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to retain moisture. Adding a splash of the original orange and champagne broth or broth water will help revive juicy tenderness during reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute the champagne in this recipe?

Absolutely! Dry white wine works wonderfully as a substitute and lends a similar fruity acidity, or try sparkling white grape juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic option without losing the fizz and brightness.

How do I know when the turkey is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; it should read 180°F to ensure the meat is cooked through and safe but still juicy.

Why is the foil not supposed to touch the turkey during roasting?

Keeping the foil off the skin allows hot steam to circulate evenly around the bird, preventing the foil from sticking to or tearing the skin and helping the turkey brown properly when you uncover it.

Can I prepare this turkey recipe a day ahead?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare up to stuffing the cavity and refrigerate overnight. Then roast the turkey the following day. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

What if I don’t have kitchen string to tie the turkey legs?

You can use clean kitchen twine or even sterilized strips of aluminum foil shaped into ties. The goal is simply to keep the legs together during roasting to promote even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey with Orange and Champagne Broth Recipe is like wrapping a warm hug into your holiday meal. The combination of fresh citrus, fragrant herbs, and that magical champagne broth creates a turkey bursting with flavor and moisture that will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to make this beloved family recipe your own tradition, bringing smiles and full, happy hearts to your table. Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!